An LSTA grant of $15,150, awarded last year
through the Illinois State Library, will fund a new foreign
language center located on the third floor. Using census data and
survey results from a focus group, the library determined which
languages and formats patrons wanted. The grant has enabled the
library to purchase materials in new languages, as well as
materials in languages that are already part of its collections.
Also included are more materials to help library
users learn English. There are audiocassettes on English
pronunciation and audiocassettes to teach English to people who
speak Polish, Russian, Korean, and other languages. A special new
computer and software package allows patrons to learn and study
English at their own pace. Through a multimedia program, students
may determine their current mastery of English and start at their
own level. Using a headset and microphone, individuals may
practice vocabulary and pronunciation privately. They may also
maintain records of their progress and record their voices for
comparison to proper pronunciation.
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Grants
